When history and current events collide, the echoes of trauma can be felt across generations. According to research, intergenerational trauma can affect groups that share a cultural identity. In the Jewish community, there is substantial evidence of the Holocaust’s traumatic legacy being passed from survivors to subsequent generations.
More recent events, sparked by the horrors of October 7 in Israel and compounded by ongoing violence globally, may be reigniting this pattern. For some, deep-seated fears can be triggered, leaving individuals feeling unsafe, anxious and isolated. In the current climate, this distress can intensify, placing some members of the community at real risk of declining mental health.
In our psychological service, we are seeing more signs of this than ever before.
Fear, loneliness and trauma affect both emotional and physical wellbeing. Each of us is constantly balancing two worlds: the external environment and our internal experience. The way we respond to uncertainty and threat varies widely. During the Covid pandemic, for example, some chose complete isolation, others took extensive precautions, while some continued living as normally as possible within the limits imposed.
Today, the constant presence of social media and 24-hour news cycles amplify fear. Distressing images and narratives are repeated continually, while conversations with others can unintentionally reinforce anxiety. This can quickly escalate into sleep disturbance, low mood and chronic stress. Over time, such strain can take a toll on physical health, contributing to high blood pressure and increasing the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease.
For these reasons, investing in psychological wellbeing is essential. Small but consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. Learning to regain a sense of control over fear is one of the most powerful steps we can take. While external threats may be real, we can develop the ability to stay grounded. Limiting exposure to distressing information can be an act of self-protection, not avoidance. By becoming more aware of our thought patterns and consciously reducing our exposure to overwhelming information, we create space for calm and more balanced thinking. This is not about denial, but about managing what we allow into our internal world.
Self-soothing techniques also play an important role. These may include carving out time to rest, engaging in calming activities or simply allowing the body to slow down. What works will differ from person to person, but prioritising rest, particularly good-quality sleep, can significantly support emotional and physical recovery.
Trauma does not reside only in our thoughts; it can be held within the body and reflected in patterns of behaviour. Over time, it can also shape how we relate to others, including how we parent. Small acts of connection can make a meaningful difference.
Connection, even in the smallest moments, is a powerful antidote to fear.
Simple gestures such as touch, shared time or emotional openness can foster a sense of safety and belonging. These moments strengthen relationships and contribute to long-term wellbeing.
Accessing positive memories can also help regulate our emotional state. Recalling moments of joy, calm or connection allows us to briefly step outside present distress and reconnect with a sense of stability.
Engaging the senses through music, familiar scents or comforting surroundings can deepen this effect and provide support during times of grief and loss, which we all inevitably face.
Therapy offers another valuable layer of support. It provides a safe, confidential space to speak openly, separate from everyday relationships and, here at DCC for example, trained therapists are very attuned to the current climate. The opportunity to express thoughts and feelings without interruption can bring significant relief and help the body return to a more regulated state.
In these challenging times, prioritising psychological health is more important than ever. By strengthening resilience and caring for both mind and body, we not only support ourselves but also contribute to the wellbeing of future generations. In doing so, we can face uncertainty with greater confidence and continue to flourish both individually and collectively.
Shirah Herman is the mental health and wellbeing lead at Dynamic Change Consultants (DCC), and a psychological therapist with an interest in trauma